Brookfield Zoo growling over village's proposed water rate increase

Suburb treating attraction like 'cash cow,' zoo officials say

For the second time in recent months, a controversy has arisen over a revenue-generating proposal by the village of Brookfield that would affect Brookfield Zoo.

The latest dispute is over a proposed increase in water rates the zoo pays the village.

The proposal calls for the zoo to pay the same rates as other businesses and residences in the village, said Brookfield Village President Michael Garvey. That rate is $6.22 per 1,000 gallons. The zoo pays $2.94 per 1,000 gallons, which is what the village pays for water, he said.

"That is substantially below what we charge every other residence and business," Garvey said, noting that the proposed increase is "just trying to put everyone on the same page."

On top of its water rate, the zoo pays an additional $105,000 a year, as required in a 20-year-old agreement between the zoo and village. That agreement expired in 2009 and was extended one year. That extension expired April 30, and negotiations for another extension stalled last summer amid news of a village proposal to institute an amusement tax.

The amusement tax, which has not been enacted, could raise $500,000 or more a year, village officials estimated. But zoo officials said the amusement tax could affect its attendance.

The zoo pays about $510,000 a year for water, and the proposed rate increase would add an additional $700,000, zoo officials said.

Chicago Zoological Society President Stuart Strahl said the village is treating the zoo like a "cash cow."

"We're being victimized by the leadership of Brookfield," Strahl said.

Strahl said the 76-year-old zoo has weathered the tough economy by trimming budgets, making tough decisions and holding the line on costs. The village should do the same and plan for the long term, he said.

Wednesday, representatives of the zoo will appear before the Brookfield-North Riverside Water Commission to begin discussing buying and getting its water directly from the commission.

The Village Board is expected to vote on the rate increase proposal in two weeks.